Syrian fighters battle near Jordan border

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Rebel fighters make ready their weapons close to their position as they prepare to fight against pro-Syrian regime forces on the Jabal al-Turkman mountains in Syria's northern Latakia province, on Tuesday. (AFP)

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AMMAN: Syrian fighters and Jordanian security officials say intense fighting has broken out near Syrian government installations and border posts near Jordan, leaving 17 civilians wounded.
A Jordanian security official said yesterday the wounded include two Jordanians and 15 Syrian refugees fleeing the military onslaught by President Bashar Assad's forces.
He says the fighting has intensified in the past two days.
Free Syrian Army spokesman Mohammed Etri called the flare-up "very decisive" because it is the first time the rebels have tried to seize control of border posts and installations along Syria's southern border.
The Jordanian official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not permitted to make press statements.
Meanwhile, the UN food agency said yesterday it will dramatically expand its aid operation in Syria to reach one million more people amid growing alarm over the humanitarian situation in the war-torn country.